To the person who asked about using a slow cooker: We haven't made the chilli con carne in a slow cooker, but we think it would work well. You may need to reduce the amount of stock. Please let us know how it turns out.

Great recipe! I have made this in the slow cooker with great success. I used a 375ml bottle of beer instead of using any stock. I also used Chipotle chillis (which are canned in a smoky sauce - available at Spanish delis)instead of the dried chilli flakes and paprika.

I made this recipe and it was fantastic. I cooked it all up in the pan and then transferred it to the slow cooker, it turned out REALLY tasty and was loved by all in the family. I don't think I will ever use the packet mix again.